Iconic Wilds of Zimbabwe & Botswana

Iconic Wilds of Zimbabwe & Botswana

Mana Pools, Hwange, Livingstone, Linyanti

nights
10
camps
5
from price, per person
USD24,825

What I really like about this itinerary is the sheer variety it delivers without ever feeling rushed. Each stop shows a different side of safari: river life in Mana Pools, open spaces and stars in Hwange, time on the water along the Zambezi, and then two very different Linyanti experiences in Wilderness Savuti and DumaTau. You’re not repeating the same game drive day after day. One morning you could be boating and another you’re looking down on it all from the air. By the end you’ve seen just how diverse a safari in this part of Africa can really be.

MW

Michelle Waring

Travel Designer

Wilderness Chikwenya

Wilderness Chikwenya

Exploring Mana Pools National Park

Exploring Mana Pools National Park

Wilderness Little Makalolo

Wilderness Little Makalolo

Game drives in Hwange National Park

Game drives in Hwange National Park

Star Bed at Wilderness Little Makalolo

Star Bed at Wilderness Little Makalolo

Wilderness Toka Leya

Wilderness Toka Leya

Exploring the Zambezi River (Toka Leya)

Exploring the Zambezi River (Toka Leya)

Wilderness Savuti

Wilderness Savuti

wildlife & activities

Highlights

  • Experience a rich variety of safari activities, from walking and boating to classic game drives, across some of Southern Africa’s most loved parks.
  • Begin at Wilderness Chikwenya in Mana Pools National Park, where open floodplains, riverine forests, and unforgettable stargazing define the experience.
  • Continue to Wilderness Little Makalolo in Hwange National Park where you will spend a magical Star Bed night beneath Zimbabwe’s skies.
  • Spend time at Wilderness Toka Leya on the Zambezi River close to Victoria Falls, enjoying relaxed boating experiences and riverside wildlife encounters.
  • Travel onward to the Linyanti Wildlife Reserve in Botswana, an area famed for dramatic predator action and vast herds of elephants.

Your Itinerary

Day 1

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport

Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport to Wilderness Chikwenya

Flight • 01:30h

On arrival at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport and after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met and assisted by a Wilderness representative to your light aircraft for your onward circuit air transfer to Wilderness Chikwenya.

Day 1 - 3
Wilderness Chikwenya
Location IconMana Pools, Zimbabwe

Wilderness Chikwenya overlooks a beautiful stretch of the Zambezi River in the eastern section of Mana Pools National Park, one of the most remote and beautiful areas in Zimbabwe. Views extend over open floodplains down to the legendary river and across to the mountains of the Rift Valley escarpment, while stretching inland behind Wilderness Chikwenya are the dense woodlands so characteristic of the area. The canvas tents are set on low wooden decks and linked to the raised main area by wooden walkways. A lounge, dining and bar area offer a sanctuary of hospitality and relaxation, while a pool deck and fire place offer alternate spaces to take in the scenery and passing wildlife. The area is renowned for its large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and eland, especially in winter when they concentrate along the river – these and a variety of predators can be seen from camp. Insider's Tip: Protein-rich albida pods attract many species, particularly elephant, during the dry season.

2 nights • Tented Room x 1

Selected experiences

Exploring Mana Pools National Park

Learn more

On your Mana Pools safari you will typically enjoy twice-daily game drives in open 4x4 vehicles. The park’s relative remoteness and Wilderness' location in private safari concessions mean sightings are unhurried, perfect for photography or simply observing nature unfold. Guided walking safaris are a highlight at Mana Pools, allowing you to track animals on foot through the forest and along the river, guided by skilled locals who interpret animal signs, tracks, and behaviours. The Zambezi River also offers seasonal boating and canoeing excursions, where you can enjoy the park's abundant birdlife, or try your hand at catch-and-release fishing.

Day 3

Wilderness Chikwenya to Wilderness Little Makalolo

Flight • 02:30h

You will be taken by light aircraft from Wilderness Chikwenya to Wilderness Little Makalolo.

Day 3 - 5
Wilderness Little Makalolo
Location IconHwange, Zimbabwe

A charming, intimate camp in the south-east of Hwange, Wilderness Little Makalolo features prominently on the mental maps of local wildlife, all drawn to its reliable waterhole. A log-pile hide affords unique, thrilling close-up views of elephants, and habitat diversity ensures year-round wildlife. Activities focus on game drives and morning nature walks. The many waterholes produce amazing sightings, or guests can relax in camp and wait for wildlife to come to them. The six spacious en-suite tents (including a family tent) are only surpassed in the experience stakes by the opportunity to sleep out at the Madison Pan star bed. Insider's Tip: Visit the log-pile hide between game drives to enjoy close up viewing of wildlife at the productive waterhole. Elephants are often the star attraction so make sure you have your camera ready ...

2 nights • Tented Room x 1

Selected experiences

Game drives in Hwange National Park

Learn more

Game drives in Hwange National Park showcase the rich diversity of Zimbabwe’s largest wildlife reserve, from open savannahs and mopane woodlands to seasonal pans and riverine corridors. Morning and afternoon drives in open 4x4 vehicles allow the opportunity to encounter elephant herds, lion prides, leopard, wild dog, and an array of antelope species, while the park’s prolific birdlife adds further fascination. Wildlife congregates around waterholes, particularly during the dry season and our experienced guides and small guest numbers ensure encounters are unhurried, intimate experiences where sightings can be fully appreciated.

Day 5

Wilderness Little Makalolo to Victoria Falls Airport

Flight • 00:40h

You will be taken by light aircraft from Wilderness Little Makalolo to Victoria Falls Airport.

Victoria Falls Airport

Victoria Falls Airport to Wilderness Toka Leya

Road • 00:30h

You will be met by a Wilderness Touring Zambezi representative for your private transfer from Victoria Falls Airport to Wilderness Toka Leya.

Day 5 - 7
Wilderness Toka Leya
Location IconLivingstone, Zambia

On the banks of the Zambezi River, Wilderness Toka Leya is far enough from Livingstone to ensure a tranquil, authentic bush experience, yet close enough for guests to enjoy all the many activities in the greater Victoria Falls area. Wilderness Toka Leya can be all about adrenaline, or an opportunity to relax and unwind before or after a safari. Wilderness Toka Leya has twelve luxurious tents (of which three are family tents). Each has a sumptuous outdoor bath, while the wellness centre with yoga and meditation options complements the serene surroundings. Boating and catch-and-release fishing excursions bring the Zambezi experience to life. Insider’s Tip: Reconnect with nature by enjoying a massage treatment on the banks of the Zambezi River!

2 nights • Tented Room x 1

Day 7

Wilderness Toka Leya to Kasane Airport

Road • 01:00h

You will be met by a Wilderness Touring Zambezi representative for your private transfer from Wilderness Toka Leya to Kasane Airport.

Kasane Airport

Kasane Airport to Wilderness Savuti

Flight • 00:40h

On arrival at Kasane Airport and after clearing customs and immigration, you will be met and assisted by a Wilderness representative to your light aircraft for your onward circuit air transfer to Wilderness Savuti.

Day 7 - 9
Wilderness Savuti
Location IconLinyanti, Botswana

Wilderness Savuti is situated in the private Linyanti Wildlife Reserve along the Savuti Channel, famous as a sporadic and unusual watercourse. As part of a natural cycle, the waters of the Savuti either flow strongly – a magnet for thirsty wildlife – or recede to leave behind a rich grassland. Wilderness Savuti provides front-row seats to amazing wildlife viewing perched high on the banks of the channel. The camp looks down on a miraculous ribbon of territory where both plains game and predators thrive, and exploring the length of this channel and its associated woodlands is thus a highlight here. The intimate camp's en-suite accommodation is in six canvas-and-thatch tents (including a family unit). From the camp's thatched dining area, elevated wooden decks extend out over the channel bed, with a small pool, fire deck and wonderful views over the channel. Insider’s Tip: The Savuti Star Bed with a sublime location overlooking the Savuti Channel and facing Zibadianja Lagoon to the west. Intimate encounters with iconic wildlife parading in the channel, as the Milky Way dances across an inky African sky. It is the perfect spot to end a magical day on safari, as the calls of the wild soothe you to sleep.

2 nights • Tented Room x 1

Selected experiences

Safaris in the Linyanti

Learn more

Safaris in the Linyanti unfold in a wild, unfenced landscape, famed for its elephant herds and predators. Morning and afternoon game drives traverse mopane forests, open floodplains, and riverine corridors where lions, wild dogs, and leopards are often seen. As a private concession, the Linyanti also allows for night drives, offering the chance to spot lesser-seen nocturnal species. Guided walks bring a more intimate perspective, while seasonal boating and catch-and-release fishing add variety to your safari.

Day 9

Wilderness Savuti to Wilderness DumaTau

Flight • 00:30h

You will take a light aircraft transfer from Wilderness Savuti to Wilderness DumaTau.

Day 9 - 11
Wilderness DumaTau
Location IconLinyanti, Botswana

Wilderness DumaTau’s extensive lagoon frontage ensures that each ultra-spacious 142 m2 guest suite has uninterrupted views over Osprey Lagoon, and the movements of the mega-herds of elephants the Linyanti is so famous for. All seven twin tented suites and one family unit have a private plunge pool and an inviting lounge, and feature a spacious bathroom with indoor and outdoor showers. The main dining and lounge areas boast unimpeded wide-angle vistas overlooking the wildlife-rich lagoon, while the centrally located Osprey Retreat wellness centre and gym – shared with Wilderness Little DumaTau – includes an inviting shaded deck, a lap pool, spa, a drinks and snack counter, and Safari Boutique. Wilderness DumaTau runs on 100% solar energy. Insider’s Tip: The Linyanti is recognised as an IBA (Important Bird Area), so the hides and platforms in the area are ideal for bird watching and photographing wildlife.

2 nights • Tented Room x 1

Selected experiences

60 Min Scenic Helicopter Flight

Learn more

Experience an unforgettable 60-minute scenic flight with Helicopter Horizons. Where you will get to enjoy breathtaking views only possible from the air.

Day 11

Wilderness DumaTau to Maun Airport

Flight • 00:50h

You will take a light aircraft transfer from Wilderness DumaTau to Maun Airport.

Maun Airport

What to expect

Includes

  • All safari accommodation & meals
  • Twice daily safari activities
  • Park fees and concession fees
  • Laundry service
  • Airport and inter-camp transfers as specified
  • Meet & Greet
  • Helicopter tour for two persons

Excludes

  • International flights
  • Gratuities
  • Personal purchases
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa fees

Start your journey

These experiences are just a glimpse of what’s possible. If you’d like to book this trip or shape a custom itinerary, we are here to help you plan your perfect safari.

GUEST EXPERIENCES

What others say

Our awards

The hard work of our teams on the ground and the communities we work alongside has been recognised through numerous awards. And we couldn’t be prouder.

View all awards
Virtuoso Award 2025

Virtuoso Award 2025

Wilderness - Best Sustainability Community Partner

Travel + Leisure

Travel + Leisure

Wilderness Bisate Reserve - Best New Luxury Hotels

World Travel Awards

World Travel Awards

Wilderness Ruckomechi - Zimbabwe's Leading Safari Lodge

Condé Nast Traveler

Condé Nast Traveler

Wilderness DumaTau - #2 World Resorts

nights
10
from price, per person
USD24,825